BMC From walls to wild places... For every hill walker, climber & mountaineer. We're the British Mountaineering Council - or BMC for short.
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It’s an exciting time for the outdoor world. A recent Active Lives Survey revealed that 2.14 million people now go hill walking, climbing or mountaineering twice a month. That’s almost 2 million walkers, around 100,000 outdoor climbers and 170,000 indoor climbers. Our activities are constantly evolving, and we are too: from nurturing future talent to owning climbing crags for the benefit of everyone; from organising beginners’ climbing courses to raising over £100,000 to help mend the British mountains. People often call our work a broad church. We even work in one: a converted old church in West Didsbury, Manchester. For hundreds of dedicated volunteers and 31 paid staff, this is the hub for a diverse range of activities to help everyone get more out of climbing, hill walking and mountaineering. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a passionate indoor boulderer or a committed long-distance walker, you’ll find that our work benefits you. After all, we’re all connected by a shared love of adventure, whether that’s found on a chalky crimp or a windswept mountain. The BMC is rather unique: part your representative body, part campaigning organisation, part environmental pressure group, part land manager – and all so that you’re free to just get out there. In our exciting world, we can all find our natural home: from swinging axes to getting pumped on plastic, placing nuts to standing on summits. Our diversity is our strength. Join our 82,000 members today.

We’re recruiting for a Nominated Director (Health and Wellbeing) and a Chair for Clubs Committee to help shape the futur...
08/10/2026

We’re recruiting for a Nominated Director (Health and Wellbeing) and a Chair for Clubs Committee to help shape the future of climbing, hill walking and mountaineering in England and Wales.

🧗 Nominated Director for the BMC’s Board of Directors (Health and Wellbeing - voluntary)

This position will appeal to those who recognise the many benefits of active participation in outdoor activities and share our care and concern for the natural environment.
📆 13 November 2026

🤝 Volunteer Chair for Clubs Committee

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about clubs within the BMC to harness all that Clubs' Committee has to offer in support of clubs and report to the board on it's proceedings.
📆 Open vacancy

🔗 View full role details and apply via the BMC website:

The BMC is seeking an energetic and forward-thinking Director with expertise in health and wellbeing and a strong professional background. This is an exciting opportunity that offers the right candidate the ability to shape the future of the BMC and its community engagement. This position will appea...

Applications for the 2027 Scottish Winter, Alpine Prep and Alpine Mountaineering JCMT courses are now OPEN!The Jonathan ...
18/09/2026

Applications for the 2027 Scottish Winter, Alpine Prep and Alpine Mountaineering JCMT courses are now OPEN!

The Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust ensures young people from all walks of life, regardless of opportunity, experience the challenges and rewards of mountaineering. Through building knowledge, confidence, and ability, we train young people to safely reach their most ambitious mountaineering goals.

Successful applicants will have the cost of their course instruction subsidised by up to 50%.

You can learn more about the courses and submit your application at https://www.jcmt.org.uk/

Closing dates for applications are as follows:

❄️ Scottish Winter - 16 October 2026
🌄 Alpine Prep - 8 January 2027
🗻 Alpine Mountaineering - 5 February 2027

JCMT courses are made possible by the generous support of Rab Equipment, The BMC, The Alpine Club and the Scottish Mountaineering Trust.

It was an absolute honour to come together on Saturday evening to celebrate the 2026 BMC Award winners 🏆With seven award...
14/09/2026

It was an absolute honour to come together on Saturday evening to celebrate the 2026 BMC Award winners 🏆

With seven awards up for grabs - including two brand-new categories for 2026 - this is one of our favourite moments in the calendar. The BMC Awards give us the chance to recognise the people who do so much for hill walking, climbing, mountaineering, access and the wider adventure community.

A huge congratulations to our 2026 BMC Award winners:

Andy Boorman and Anne Arran - George Band Award
Dan Robinson - Lord Greaves Award
UK Paraclimbing Collective - Rehan Siddiqui Award
Max Forrest - Jessica Baker Award
Adrian Wilson - Clubs & Communities Award
Gary Gibson - President’s Award
Lorraine McCall and Jesse & Molly Dufton - Inspiring Adventure Award

A special mention must also go to Dr David Hillebrandt, who was awarded an Honorary Membership in recognition of his 25+ years of outstanding contribution to mountain medicine and the climbing and mountaineering community.

Read more about our winners via the link below 👇

The BMC Award winners have been announced and presented at this weekend's BMC Basecamp Festival. These awards honour individuals whose dedication has strengthened climbing, hillwalking, access and conservation across the UK.

04/09/2026

How do we give back?

We spent the day rebuilding footpaths below Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) with the Access & Conservation Trust, learning from the National Trust Path Repair Team in Eryri (Snowdonia) and their new apprentice ranger Arwyn, whose role has been partly funded by our Two For The Trails program. We’re proud to support their work in building, maintaining and restoring the footpaths and conserving delicate upland habitats in this stunning area of natural beauty, enjoyed by millions every year. ⛰️

Join us on Saturday 12th September for a panel talk with our Inspiring Adventure Award nominees. Rob Matheson, Lorraine ...
28/08/2026

Join us on Saturday 12th September for a panel talk with our Inspiring Adventure Award nominees. Rob Matheson, Lorraine McCall and Helen Rennard will be joining in person with Jesse & Molly Dufton, Franco Cookson, and Emma Twyford joining online.

Hear about the experiences and adventures that have shaped their journeys in the outdoors. From standout moments and big challenges, to the people who support them and inspired them to take on their adventures.

Find out more and get your tickets here:

On Saturday 12th September, BMC President, Dom Oughton will be interviewing Helen Rennard, Lorraine McCall and Rob Matheson about their inspiring adventures across the British mountains and sea cliffs.

Meet your final nominee for the BMC Inspiring Adventure Award. Franco Cookson continues to push the boundaries of Britis...
07/08/2026

Meet your final nominee for the BMC Inspiring Adventure Award.

Franco Cookson continues to push the boundaries of British traditional climbing through bold ascents and a deep commitment to the ethics that define the sport. In 2026, he established a new E12 7a route on Ben Loyal in the Scottish Highlands, representing one of the most difficult traditional climbs ever completed in Britain.

The ascent demanded four years of effort, countless attempts and an unwavering commitment to bold climbing in remote environments. Beyond the headline grade, Franco's achievement reflects the perseverance, dedication and respect for British climbing traditions that inspire many within the climbing community. His determination to pursue ambitious objectives while remaining true to the values of traditional climbing makes this a truly outstanding achievement.

🏆 Six inspirational adventurers from across Britain have been nominated for the BMC Inspiring Adventure Award and we’re inviting all outdoor-lovers to cast their votes to crown the first ever winner. Go to https://www.thebmc.co.uk/en/bmc-inspiring-adventures-award-voting?fbclid=IwY2xjawTi00BwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTNNaWUyMm1sVkhZaXMxS09zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeTEd3ESu5qEMUrxZhPZkyREwahu552MGCe0KRX1Wa3MIoDPIipKkir7c-iss_aem_I2GNSBcvzAY84HJOhWAfeA to get voting & read about all the nominees now! 🏆
VOTE NOW: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=9QUAYtljpE26wHf3RIrTD07_gyr94-BFqm_APZM7QzhUQjYxMEdPUVAxVkZWOElGSFpSUzBTTTc3TiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl&fbclid=IwY2xjawTi001wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTNNaWUyMm1sVkhZaXMxS09zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeTEd3ESu5qEMUrxZhPZkyREwahu552MGCe0KRX1Wa3MIoDPIipKkir7c-iss_aem_I2GNSBcvzAY84HJOhWAfeA

📷: Al Lee

Meet your fifth nominee for the BMC Inspiring Adventure Award. Lorraine McCall has become one of Scotland’s most accompl...
07/08/2026

Meet your fifth nominee for the BMC Inspiring Adventure Award.

Lorraine McCall has become one of Scotland’s most accomplished long-distance mountain walkers through a series of extraordinary self-powered mountain rounds. She is the first woman to complete a continuous round of all 231 Grahams and, most recently, became the first known woman to complete a continuous round of the Donalds and Donald Tops, covering 141 summits in just 28 days.

What makes Lorraine’s achievements particularly inspiring is that many have been completed while undergoing treatment for cancer. Her determination, resilience and positive outlook have touched countless people she has met along the way. Through her adventures, Lorraine demonstrates that even in the face of significant personal challenges it is possible to continue pursuing ambitious goals and finding joy in the mountains.

🏆 Six inspirational adventurers from across Britain have been nominated for the BMC Inspiring Adventure Award and we’re inviting all outdoor-lovers to cast their votes to crown the first ever winner. Go to https://www.thebmc.co.uk/en/bmc-inspiring-adventures-award-voting?fbclid=IwY2xjawTij9hwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVhHbDgwUTA4ODI1cUJxNGtzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeo467k91CL8kZnppCu1Wu8Ea1d45YZWBvdsnQd8npemghe_6jtyChD7EUlbk_aem_hgV1u0kUY5H68n2iHAi2OA to get voting & read about all the nominees now! 🏆

VOTE NOW: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=9QUAYtljpE26wHf3RIrTD07_gyr94-BFqm_APZM7QzhUQjYxMEdPUVAxVkZWOElGSFpSUzBTTTc3TiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl&fbclid=IwY2xjawTij-dwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVhHbDgwUTA4ODI1cUJxNGtzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeaVNGTs9uLSHrt-D6VxFkRgtjzmQg8i6-JmVQmPs07Y81SJy_kqPMPUXfJC4_aem_qyIsXa5TTlCJA021yT6xvw

📷: 1 - Chris, 2 - Renate Powell, 3 - Dan Bailey

Meet your fourth nominee for the BMC Inspiring Adventure Award. At the age of 74, Rob Matheson reminded the climbing wor...
06/08/2026

Meet your fourth nominee for the BMC Inspiring Adventure Award.

At the age of 74, Rob Matheson reminded the climbing world that ambition and adventure have no age limit. His ascent of The Bells! The Bells! (E7/8 6b) stands as one of the most remarkable British climbing achievements of recent years, combining technical skill, commitment and decades of experience on challenging traditional routes.

Known for his thoughtful approach to climbing and his lifelong passion for the mountains, Rob’s achievement has inspired climbers of all generations. More than simply demonstrating exceptional performance, his ascent shows that personal goals, determination and a love of adventure can continue to drive us throughout our lives. His achievement embodies the spirit of the award by encouraging others to pursue their own ambitions regardless of age or expectation.

🏆 Six inspirational adventurers from across Britain have been nominated for the BMC Inspiring Adventure Award and we’re inviting all outdoor-lovers to cast their votes to crown the first ever winner. Go to https://www.thebmc.co.uk/en/bmc-inspiring-adventures-award-voting?fbclid=IwY2xjawThftFwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVhHbDgwUTA4ODI1cUJxNGtzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeR4uQqvQlWSaRE9vwDvdRtkJIMWsEaPUmrt0Zvb0--PJjculDybkOB_Y1kZw_aem_al_nQdyQsOmreIIaxg84Ow to get voting & read about all the nominees now! 🏆

VOTE NOW:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=9QUAYtljpE26wHf3RIrTD07_gyr94-BFqm_APZM7QzhUQjYxMEdPUVAxVkZWOElGSFpSUzBTTTc3TiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl&fbclid=IwY2xjawThfrpwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVhHbDgwUTA4ODI1cUJxNGtzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEexXm1VOG5GLVRVr_w-8k1mnXTBegzVYexc6hpXcP6Ef7oPBnTvEFoCYYgRWE_aem_aS585Jh_uzKW2HFZ-GwycA

📷: Ray Wood

06/08/2026

Plas y Brenin's Winter courses are now open to book onto!

Meet your third nominee for the BMC Inspiring Adventure Award. Emma Twyford made British climbing history in 2025 when s...
06/08/2026

Meet your third nominee for the BMC Inspiring Adventure Award.

Emma Twyford made British climbing history in 2025 when she became the first woman to climb an E10 in the UK, one of the highest grades in traditional climbing. As the third person ever to repeat the route, her ascent of Yma O Hyd (E10 7a) represented a landmark achievement, breaking new ground for women in British trad climbing and demonstrating years of dedication, perseverance and elite-level skill.

As one of Britain’s leading climbers, Emma continues to inspire others through her commitment to challenging objectives and her willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible. Her accomplishment is not only a personal milestone but a landmark achievement for British climbing, encouraging future generations to pursue ambitious goals.

🏆 Six inspirational adventurers from across Britain have been nominated for the BMC Inspiring Adventure Award and we’re inviting all outdoor-lovers to cast their votes to crown the first ever winner. Go to https://www.thebmc.co.uk/en/bmc-inspiring-adventures-award-voting to get voting & read about all the nominees now! 🏆

VOTE NOW: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=9QUAYtljpE26wHf3RIrTD07_gyr94-BFqm_APZM7QzhUQjYxMEdPUVAxVkZWOElGSFpSUzBTTTc3TiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

📷: 1 - Lena Drapella , 2 - Ray Wood , 3 - Ray Wood

Address

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